Ventura Mayor Says He Does Not Plan to Run for Reelection : Government: Richard Francis wants to spend more time with his 7-month-old twins. His departure will leave three council seats up for grabs.

Ventura Mayor Richard Francis has announced that he will not seek reelection when his term expires in December because his political duties have taken away too much time from his 7-month-old twins.

“I’m depriving not only my twins of my companionship, I’m depriving myself of the fun part of watching them grow up,” said Francis, who has been mayor for two years and has been on the City Council for four years.

Francis, known for his support of slow-growth policies, said he decided over the weekend not to run after discussing the matter with his wife, Nancy.

“It’s been a decision that’s been coming to a head for some time,” Francis said.

“Part of the problem was the number of evening meetings. It’s hard for me to get home to see the twins before they go to bed. I spend an average of an hour a day with them, and that just isn’t enough.”

With Francis’ departure, three seats on the seven-member council will be up for grabs.

Councilman John McWherter, another slow-growth advocate, has decided not to seek reelection while Councilman Donald Villeneuve has filed for reelection.

Francis, 42, said there is a remote chance that he could change his mind if no one he believes is suitable enters the race before the Aug. 9 filing deadline.

So far, nine people--including Carroll Dean Williams, a frequent council critic--have filed to run for the council.

Several council members on Wednesday said they are disappointed about Francis’ decision to step aside.

Councilman Gary Tuttle praised Francis’ leadership skills and his dedication to controlling development.

“His get-in-there-and-do-it personality has moved us off the mark,” Tuttle said.

Said Councilwoman Cathy Bean: “He’s very fair, he’s thoughtful, he’s a quick learner, and he listens. He’s been a good council member.”

When asked to name his biggest accomplishment as mayor, Francis cited the deal that he struck with haulers E.J. Harrison & Sons Inc. to commercialize the city’s recyclable materials.

Under the terms of a contract with the hauler, the city receives a share of the profits from the sale of recyclable materials but does not share in the cost of collecting and processing them.

But Francis also has critics. One of them, community activist Ray Russum, referred to the mayor in a letter as “Saddam Francis.”

And Jim Monahan, the only pro-growth advocate on the council, has made it clear that he does not like the mayor.

On Wednesday, Monahan said he is glad that Francis is not seeking reelection.

“I don’t think he’d get reelected anyway,” Monahan said. “He talks down to the public, and he’s rude to other council members. I think the public has had enough of him.”

Francis dismissed Monahan’s comments.

“Jim is a political opponent,” Francis said. “He’s going to say nasty things.”